A new nationwide, grassroots protest movement kicked off, Friday, and one of its major targets has a significant presence in the CSRA.
The first 24-Hour Economic Blackout was Feb. 28. It was a nationwide protest that entails abstaining from purchases. Prospective participants are advised not to shop online or make any in-store purchase from any major retailer, even gas, from midnight to midnight.
The movement, promoted almost exclusively via social media beginning a month ago, was coordinated by The People’s Union USA, a fledgling activist group founded by Chicago-based meditation teacher John Schwarz.
The People’s Union describes itself on its website as a “grassroots movement dedicated to economic resistance, government accountability and corporate reform,” not affiliated with any political party. It presents its movement as a resistance in favor of “economic justice and “real systemic change.”
“Both political parties, both past and current leaders, and billionaires have manipulated the economy and profited off the working class,” reads a section of the frequently asked question section of the People’s Union’s website. “We will hold them all accountable. Our focus is systemic change, not political drama.”
Friday’s blackout day was just the beginning, as at least three more Economic Blackouts are planned, with specific targets.
Amazon, whose 600,000-square-foot distribution center in Appling has been opened since 2021, is the subject of another blackout event scheduled for March 7 through 14, discouraging purchases from Amazon, or from its subsidiary Whole Foods Market. Another 24-hour blackout day is slated for March 28, discouraging spending for the entire day, followed by another week-long event from April 7 – 13, shutting down buying from Walmart.
The Economic Blackout comes weeks after another grassroots protest, 50501, kickstarted nationwide, protesting the actions of the Trump Administration, with Augusta’s iteration in front of the Ruffin Jr. Courthouse.
Skyler Andrews is a reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
